Journalist: Former Liverpool star could return to Premier League in shock move | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Eye Move for Ex-Liverpool Midfielder Tyler Morton

Liverpool’s summer sale of Tyler Morton to Lyon for £15 million may already be coming under the spotlight, with Jeunes Footeux reporting that Crystal Palace are monitoring the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Adam Wharton. The French outlet claims that Oliver Glasner’s side could make a ‘substantial offer’ for the midfielder, who has impressed in Ligue 1 during his short spell in France.

Morton has made 15 appearances already for Lyon, surpassing the total he managed at Anfield, where he played 14 times under Jürgen Klopp. The Wirral-born midfielder has quickly established himself as a regular in France, despite Lyon’s turbulent financial situation, and now looks set to attract Premier League attention once again.

Palace Preparing for Life After Wharton

Palace’s interest in Morton appears tied to growing speculation around Wharton’s future. The 21-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season, catching the eye of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. Jeunes Footeux reports that Palace are ‘preparing for life after’ Wharton, who could command a fee of around €70 million (£61.8 million).

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Liverpool are understood to be one of the clubs most keen to secure Wharton’s services, with the midfielder having shone in Palace’s 1-0 victory over Arne Slot’s side in September. During that match, Wharton won five duels, completed 100% of his dribbles, and registered four key passes while creating two big chances. Those numbers underline why he is attracting so much attention ahead of the January transfer window.

Morton’s Progress Since Leaving Anfield

Morton’s decision to leave Liverpool in search of regular football has paid dividends. While he was admired internally and even compared by some teammates to Xabi Alonso for his composure and passing range, opportunities were limited in a congested midfield. At Lyon, he has shown maturity and technical quality that highlight why he was so highly regarded during his time on Merseyside.

Given Lyon’s financial situation, an offer from the Premier League could prove tempting for both player and club. However, Morton may prefer to stay in France for now, especially with guaranteed playing time and a central role in Lyon’s rebuild. A quick return to England could be seen as premature in his development, although Palace’s project under Glasner could appeal to his ambitions.

Liverpool’s Midfield Dilemma

Liverpool’s interest in Wharton speaks volumes about their ongoing search for balance in midfield. Despite a strong start to Arne Slot’s debut season, the team’s form has dipped, with five defeats in their last six league matches. Injuries and inconsistency have exposed depth issues, and Wharton’s profile as an energetic ball-winner with creative instincts makes him a natural fit for what Slot desires in his system.

Yet the irony is clear. While Liverpool look to spend heavily on Wharton, they might soon watch one of their own academy graduates, Morton, return to England and thrive elsewhere.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this story stings a little. Tyler Morton was one of those players supporters wanted to see nurtured, a lad from the academy who looked technically gifted and smart on the ball. Selling him to Lyon for £15 million felt reasonable at the time, but now, just months later, the idea of him coming back to the Premier League — potentially excelling for Crystal Palace — feels like another example of short-term thinking.

Arne Slot’s midfield currently looks lightweight and uncertain. After five defeats in six, Liverpool’s title defence is collapsing, and the energy that Wharton shows weekly for Palace is exactly what the Reds are lacking. Fans can’t help but ask: would keeping Morton have been such a bad idea?

He was compared to Xabi Alonso for a reason. Calm under pressure, progressive in possession, and brave in his passing — qualities Liverpool have missed in recent weeks. Watching Palace plan for life after Wharton by potentially turning to a former Red only reinforces the frustration. Morton might not be the superstar Liverpool need, but he’s the type of intelligent player they’ve too often let slip away.